Major League Baseball Announces Modifications to Rules

Major League Baseball announced a series of rule changes for the 2017 regular season.

MLB and Major League Baseball Players Association announced the series of modifications on Thursday.

The modifications are:

The start of a no-pitch intentional walk, allowing the defensive team’s manager to signal a decision to the home plate umpire to intentionally walk the batter. Following the signal of the manager’s intention, the umpire will immediately award first base to the batter.

A 30-second limit for a manager to decide whether to challenge a play and invoke replay review.

When a manager has exhausted his challenges for the game, Crew Chiefs may now invoke replay review.

A conditional two-minute guideline for Replay Officials to render a decision on a replay review, allowing various exceptions.

A prohibition on the use of any markers on the field that could create a tangible reference system for fielders.

An addition to Rule 5.07 formalizes an umpire interpretation by stipulating that a pitcher may not take a second step toward home plate with either foot or otherwise reset his pivot foot in his delivery of the pitch. If there is at least one runner on base, then such an action will be called as a balk under Rule 6.02 (a). If the bases are unoccupied, then it will be considered an illegal pitch under Rule 6.02 (b).

An amendment to Rule 5.03 requires base coaches to position themselves behind the line of the coach’s box closest to home plate and the front line that runs parallel to the foul line prior to each pitch. Once a ball is put in play, a base coach is allowed to leave the coach’s box to signal a player so long as a coach does not interfere with play.